Redefining mental illness — Robert Whitaker and Allen Frances on Al Jazeera TV (video included)

There is also an accompanying article on Al Jazeera’s website here: Redefining Mental Illness

Known as the bible of psychiatry, the DSM or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the most influential guide for helping doctors define what a mental illness is. But it has sparked a backlash among some respected psychiatrists in the United States who say the new guidelines are turning normal behaviour into illness, and will lead to the medication of patients that should not be.

h/t Mad in America

Mostly recent articles about the DSM on Beyond Meds:  DSM5 the latest news and happenings…collected

Also check out and read Robert Whitaker’s work if you’ve not done so:

●  Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America

●  Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill